On the bright side, the Lakers were competitive right to the last non-drop on Robert Horry's last shot Tuesday night, providing maximum suspense. And Lakers coach Phil Jackson emerged unscathed.

Jackson, coaching his first game since an angioplasty Saturday, rarely got off the bench early in the second half as the Lakers seemed destined to be blown out by San Antonio. When he did try to communicate, Jackson's voice was weak.

But as the Lakers rallied, so did Jackson. He jumped from his seat repeatedly in the final minutes, yelling instructions to his players and criticisms to officials.

"I felt great," Jackson said afterward.

As was the case when he coached Game 3 on Friday night before his angioplasty, Jackson told doctors he would retire to the locker room in Game 5 if he felt any discomfort.